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RIA offers condition, rarity in firearms

MOLINE, Ill. — Collecting is a hobby for many, a habit for some and a way of life for others. Rock Island Auction strives to meet each individual collector’s desire with every auction it builds. Every auction offers a plethora of opportunities for the firearm enthusiast; their April 30, May 1-2 sale has many high-conditioned and unique firearms from antique to modern that are sure to entice collectors.

This auction features the C.W. Slagle collection to include derringers, palm pistols, powder flasks and other curio type firearms. C.W. Slagle was well known throughout the firearms collecting industry and especially known for his collection of unusual and unique antique and curio and relic firearms.

There are more than 600 derringers and curio type weapons in this sale headlined by a rare AM. Sterling marked solid sterling-silver Colt second-model derringer pistol, one of only four known solid-silver Colt derringers, estimated at $50,000 to $90,000. Other impressive examples are an extraordinary Marston superposed three barrel, retractable knife-blade derringer, exhibition quality engraved and signed by L.D. Nimschke ($30,000-$50,000) and a rare James Reid new-model knuckle-duster revolver ($8,500-$13,000).

Henry and Philadelphia derringers will include an extremely rare ivory-stocked Henry deringer Philadelphia percussion pistol that is expected to bring $25,000 to $50,000.